Here's what you get:

• Field Notes
• Nuts & Bolts
• Highlights
• Workshops & Gatherings
• What We're Up To
• Amazing sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the industry.

Let's dive in.

Forget minimalism—the future is about intentional wellness. Homes like the light-drenched "Holistic" model or the focus-driven "Restorative" version prove that architecture isn't just shelter; it’s recovery.

Using digital visualization tools, builders now let buyers "live" in these wellness-focused spaces before construction begins, ensuring the final home hits that Zen sweet spot.

Source: Designers Today

The housing market has slowed, but for residential designers, the news isn't all bad. According to NAHB Chief Economist Dr. Robert Dietz, demand for professional design is still strong—it’s just shifting to new products and locations.

Source: AIBD

Are we raising a generation of "architects" who are actually just high-end data entry clerks? After 50 years in the field, Randy Kopplin sparked a viral firestorm with a blunt observation: Young designers can navigate Revit perfectly, but they can't read a structural set to save their lives.

Source: Randy Kopplin, via LinkedIn

The University of the Built Environment has identified 10 breakthrough technologies—including BIM, Generative Design, and IoT—that are currently bridging the gap between creative concepts and high-performance, sustainable realities.

Source: University of the Built Environment

As the population shifts, "aging in place" is no longer a niche specialty—it’s a market mandate. But great accessible design shouldn't look like a hospital wing. The AARP HomeFit Guide is the industry's gold standard for blending safety with aesthetic appeal, offering a blueprint for homes that work for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Source: AARP

The latest deep dive from BIMSrv breaks down the most frequent pitfalls in architectural drafting, from scale blunders in floor plans to the risks of over-relying on Revit’s automated features. It’s an essential refresher for ensuring your construction sets are as bulletproof as your design vision.

Source: BIMSrv

Gregory DeLory, Greg DeLory, Architectural design (MA). Professional Member

Anthony D. Rowe, CPBD, A. Rowe Construction Consulting, LLC (IL), Professional Member

Darian Van, Associate Member

March 4 - Tri-State OKI Chapter (Virtual) 10:00 am ET.

March 4 - Board of Directors (Virtual) 4:00 pm ET - Members First - Connect with your board members and share your insights.

March 6 - INTRODUCING! AIBD Office Hour - 11:00 am ET - 60 minutes (or so) of open discussion and collaboration (Members Only)

May 1 - AIBD Connect - Colorado - Castle Rock, CO.

February 24 - CE Watch Party - 2:00 p.m. ET - Chief Architect Overview: Design Faster with Smart Tools | Part 1s (1.0 P3 CE)

March 13 - Coffee with Bernie - 10:00 a.m. ET - Creative Burnout: How to stay inspired when projects feel repetitive.
(1.0 P3 -CE)

March 17 - ​High-Performance Homes Team​ - 2:00 p.m. ET (1.0 P4 CE)

AEC Daily - ​Look for in-person and virtual events.

AIBD Annual Conference - July 29-August 1, 2026 - Reserve your hotel room​

AirVent Attic Ventilation: Ask the Expert™ Seminar Schedule - In-person events - Schedule & Registration​

CEDIA Expo 2026 - September 1-4, 2026 - Denver, CO - Registration opens soon!​

Chief Architect Virtual Training - March 11–20, 2026 - Sign Up for $995 $497.50

Green Home Institute - ​Look for in-person and virtual events.

SoftPlan - Virtual training - February 24 – 27: SoftList, March 10 – 13: Roof​

Traditional Building Conference - March 24-25, 2026 - Salem, MA - Registration Is Open​

AIBD was highly active at the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) as an exhibitor, a sponsor, and a host. These efforts highlight AIBD's commitment to promoting leadership for residential designers within the home building industry.

AIBD, Tristate OKI Chapter, February 2026 Meeting

Business struggles, achievements, and successes.

We shared stories about what led us to the AIBD, diving into the journeys that brought us here. From our start to the highs and lows along the way, it was an inspiring conversation that connected us with fellow members and highlighted our shared experiences.

AIBD, Western North Carolina Chapter, March 2026 Meeting

Measuring Existing Conditions for Residential Projects.

Steve Di Giovanni of Digi Draft and Design provided a practical overview of how existing conditions are measured, documented, and modeled to support accurate residential design and ensure smoother projects.